Tunnock’s says flag row ‘down to geography’

Tunnock’s export manager has revealed why his company has put the Union flag on boxes of biscuits bound for the Japanese market, as the firm faces fresh calls for a boycott.

Alan Burnett, export manager for the Uddingston-based company, said some overseas customers’ lack of geographical knowledge was a factor.

“The further away you get from Scotland, the less most people know where it is. But the Japanese recognise the Union flag. We have definitely not rebranded.”

Mr Burnett said since news of the Union flag emerged last week his company had been “inundated” with emails saying they would be boycotted.

Last year the company saw protests after marketing teacakes under the slogan “The Great British Teacake”.